Out and about in Bangalore.

It is 7 am and I only have 30 minutes on the free computer at the hotel here in Mysore. This place is SWANK compared to Kamat hotel in Bangalore. It has a fan and a shower and so far no cockroaches (who made an appearance - just little ones - on our second night at Kamat).

So back to our first day. After we left the Internet place, we wandered over to Brigade Street where Judy knew there was shopping. We walked for what seemed like miles. On our route they were preparing some sort of parade grounds - I learned that the next day was a national holiday. I wanted to take a picture of the National Disaster Management sign for Melissa but first I tried to ID a bird. Out came the binoculars. Within one minute a National Guard came rushing over with his rifle to move us along. I pointed to the bird and he said "it is a bird - GO!" We went, sorry Melissa, no picture. One day my binoculars will get me arrested (remember Kenya?)

Anyway, we made it to Brigade Street but it was super-commercial and by then it was dark and we were tired so we hopped in a auto-rickshaw to go home. I realize I am not breaking any new ground (literary, anthropologically or travel lore wise) by describing Indian traffic but I would be remiss if I didn't give it at least a mention. IT IS INSANE! It makes Bangkok look organized. There are (in order of kill-me-ability) trucks, buses, cars, auto-rickshaws, motorcycles (with up to 6 people per), bicycles, ox carts, carts pulled by barefoot men, random cows, and then the lowest of the low - the poor pedestrian who statistically should have been dead by the age of four if he tried to cross two streets per day from the age of two.

I am trying to decipher the honking, which is constant. There is the 'I am beside you honk', the 'I am passing you honk', I assume (probably incorrectly) that there is a 'watch out because I am not stopping for you' honk for smaller vehicles and pedestrians. Amazingly, I haven't seen an accident despite everyone driving on the wrong side of the road, weaving past each other all the while not hitting cows or people, talking on their cell phones. Fortunately, Suresh is a good driver (insane but good). And I am reassured by the fact that first, he won't get paid if he kills us, second and way more important, he will never get paid again if he wrecks his car.

Suresh is actually a very nice man. I will push my luck and try to tell you about day two even though I will likely get booted from this computer.

My second Kurta outfit. Check out those huge pants. I already look like I have elephanititis!

Suresh picked us up at 10am on Tuesday (after a breakfast of Idly - soft rice cakes with curry dip - yum) to take us on a tour of Bangalore.

My second morning, my second breakfast. This is called Idly, a rice mush cake that comes with dipping sauce.

As I mentioned Tuesday was a National holiday of some sort - not Independence day, that's all I know. Our first stop was a garden (I will have to fill in names later) where they were having a garden show. Indians love their parks.

This was the entrance to the park, a huge rocky area with a tiny temple on top.

A bunny garbage can looking out from the bushes.

I think there was a parakeet up there.


You can't get a picture without people so I just went with it.

Boys climbing a tree

There were traffic cops everywhere. We finally got a parking spot and headed in. So many people. We wandered around for a bit, took some pictures. I am not taking nearly as many pictures as I should. Even though people walk up to us and ask to have their picture taken, especially people with babies, or even ask to take our pictures, I just can't get over the ickyness of objectifying people. But, of course, I am torn. They are such beautiful people. And the colours are out of this world. Fortunately, Judy has no such qualms and is snap happy to there will be lots of photos. But I digress.

Take a picture of our baby!

In the middle of the park was the glass house, actually a green house.
The Glass House behind a million people

The Glass House closer up.

In we went to look at a massive, impressive display of flowers, now wilting in the hothouse. The flowers were secondary however to the bazillion people they had crammed into this glass house. We could barely move. Again, mental flashes of stampeding crowds crushing innocent people under their feet. But, clearly, we made it out, uncrushed.

The crowds inside the Glass House were overwhelming

Flowers!

More flowers but in a pillar this time.

Cops directing the crowds

Or just posing. I hope this isn't a cop but with the child labour laws here - who knows??

The Christmas tree display. Such a sad little wilty tree.

Vegetable towers

More vegetable display.

I did some birding at the lotus pond which wasn't nearly as pretty as the name makes it seem. But there were some good birds, none of which I remember... - a couple of types of moorhens and an Indian Pond Heron? a new Kite, a parrot of some sort.

School Field Day at the park

Selling popcorn.

The lotus pond. Two Indian Pond Herons, a Darter and a Moorhen.

The rose garden.

Yikes!!

Then we went for lunch. Suresh ordered for us. We got some sort of full meal package. First, tomato soup with cardamon and ginger, a coconut pastry, and a papadam with dices onions & other veg. This was called a salad. Then the main meal arrived. Note for mom, this will be the style for your next Indian meal because it was AWESOME! On a big plate, two naan surrounded by 10 little dishes filled with various vegetarian currys, yogurt and cucumber (raita?), rice and I can't even remember what all. It was amazing. Plus the bonus of eating all of this with my hands. Actually hand, one doesn't(or at least tries really hard not to) eat with their left hand. I am getting pretty good at it.

Our lunch. Now I know this is called a Thali (a complete meal with all the fixins)

Judy tucks in.

This restaurant is where I encountered my first Indian toilet. I have dealt with squat toilets in the past and have never been adept at the best of times. I think I am standing backwards. But past practise did not prepare me for my new situation. Add to the squat toilet situation, a scarf, a flowing top, and ridiculously huge pants. Then consider that I am strapped up with hidden bags like a old West gunslinger with one around my waist and another around my neck, under my arm with a strap also around my waist. throw into the mix a purse and a camera and you have a recipe for unpleasantness. Laundry night!.

Suresh is a devout Hindu so he manages to sneak in a couple of temples each day under the guise of 'tourist interest' but really he want to worship. The temples are quite beautiful, (I have pictures which are all starting to look alike) and it is interesting to watch the people doing whatever it is they are doing. Mostly giving money and looking pious. I shall now rant. Every time I go to some poor country, the organized religion drives me crazy. The poorest people giving money for upkeep of an expensive temple plunked down in the middle of their ramshackle homes. But then I remember that I am standing in the middle of these poor poor people with my untold riches (the cost of my camera, binoculars, bag etc could feed a family for a year) and I am equally disgusted by my own culture and self. This is why people don't like to travel - it forces uncomfortable self reflection. This is why I like to travel.

The temple.

Shoes off!

The Bull Temple

My first Bindi.

Need a temple souvenir?

Anyway. We ended the day at Russell Market, a fruit, veg and flower market established by the British in 1927. I was tired by then and had no interest in fruit, veg OR flowers.

Russell Market - I have to say, I did not like this market, it was cramped and smelly and I didn't think the people were very friendly.

Inside the market

More market wares.

Last stop, a nearby Christian church (Suresh thought we needed to pray to our own god?) where they were having mass over loud speakers. What with the neon lights and the booming voice, it wasn't at all comforting like I imagine a church should be. I did try to sit on a bench out front but a guard moved me along. I guess only worshippers are allowed to sit.

The Christian Church lit up at night.

The Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus in the comforting glow of blue Neon

And don't forget to watch for theives while you worship.

A few more random images from the day.

That park temple again.

Selling snacks.

Temple detail.

Me and Judy

Driving by the night market.

Back to Kamat by 8 pm. I skipped dinner, lunch was still with me. Judy fell asleep in her clothes by 8:02. I followed close behind.

I will not even attempt to steal another 30 minutes on this computer - I am in a room behind the front desk and the door keeps opening so I think I am done.

My first day in India - brain melting

Let me start with the flight since I can probably process that info a bit better than my first day here.

I made it out ok but of course, once again I got lost in Vancouver airport. I had got to chatting with my seat mate on the Vic to Van run. Once we landed and got into the terminal, I started following the International Departure signs as I continued chatting. Once again, third year in a row, I found myself at the manned desk where I had to show my boarding pass. AGAIN, I missed the turn where I check in to get my boarding pass. As I was heading back, I realized I had also forgotten to pick up my bag. Hmmm, so much for all of my security measures, a carbiner isn't going to help if I just leave stuff abandoned. When I found the baggage carousel, my backpack was going around and around all by itself, nobody around. So I scooped that, eventually found the check in, got my stuff in order and finally to my gate. I had a couple of hours to kill so I bought a magazine and planted myself.

My flight to Frankfurt started worryingly. My back of the seat video terminal didn't work. 10 hours!! No videos!! Mr. Head Steward was on the job. He rebooted several times but still no luck. Eventually, after my first suggesting he move me to first class and then, second, a smiley threat to make his life miserable, he shut down the whole system and got it working after about 90 minutes.

90 minutes of rebooting!

I watched UP which was hilarious; 500 Days of Summer which was also very good and Love Happens which was so bad that of course it was the only movie they showed on the next leg of my journey. Food was very good - ravioli.

The wait at Frankfurt was short so I didn't have time for anything. It was snowing there so this meant for some reason, that we landed a million miles from the terminal and had to shuttle it from the back-40.



Snowy Frankfurt airport

By the time I got to my gate, I only had time to fill my water bottle, hit the washroom and then get in line to pass over my boarding pass. Just as I was entering the on-ramp, two guards pulled me aside to give me 'extra security'. There was another woman walking beside me who asked if it was for both of us and they said no, just me. Imagine me a icy windshield and the woman guards hands as an ice scraper. She was everywhere. then the wand. I don't know what the wand measured but it was beeping crazily away. I didn't know if this meant that I was covered in explosives, drugs, or just had an underwire bra. Apparently, whatever it meant, I was allowed on the plane. Not to dwell, but I found this fairly innocuous experience somewhat unsettling. Why did they pick me. They didn't have a computer so they didn't have access to my itinerary beyond where my flight was going but everyone was going to the same place. They would have had to chose me based on my looks or actions. Do I look shifty? Do I act suspicious? I am used to not standing out and I have to say, I don't like being noteworthy.

Next jump, Frankfurt to Bangalore was fine but no back of the seat videos. By this time I was so tired I didn't even care, especially when I realized the movie that was showing. I did have an empty seat between me and the aisle person, a nice German lady. I think I fell asleep right away but someone woke me up for dinner. My choice was chicken or vegetarian. I went chicken. My seat mate got the veg. Hers came with rice and green and yellow stuff plus many little pots of sauces and dips. I was quite jealous as mine was adequate at best. Anyway, 9 hours later I was in India. Again I was sent to an extra security person who stamped my passport and handed it back without explanation. For the three seconds it took me to find and read the stamp, I thought I wasn't allowed in. But the stamp just said that I have to leave India for two months before I can apply for another entry visa. All good.

Then I go into the next area, where I found my bag and then into the next area where I expect Judy to meet me but as I was walking out the door there was so many people. They were all holding signs or just generally looking expectant. I didn't see Judy. So I stood there for a minute or two, pretty stunned, contemplating the fact that I didn't know where Judy was staying, had a phone number that didn't work, and no real way to contact her. Hmmm, maybe a backup plan might have been an idea. But right then, Suresh found me. Suresh is Judy's cab driver friend. I'm sure there will be many stories about Suresh to come. He took me to Judy and we got the hell out of there.

He took us to Kamat hotel. We arrived at 3AM, woke up the front desk guy. There were people sleeping everywhere, there were at least four outside on the front entrance and three in the lobby. The streets were absolutely deserted, no people, no cars, just sleeping dogs. Which all woke up and started barking the minute we got into bed. The room is very Mexico-esque. No shower, just a bucket and plastic cup but upscale in that the plastic cup is not a yogurt container, it is an actual store bought plastic cup.

Not the best bathroom but certainly not the worst either.

10 bucks a night. For two. I obviously fell right back into the life because Judy had to point out that there was no hot water. It didn't even register for me while I was 'showering' this morning.

"Do not urinate here' - the view from our window once daylight arrived.

I am wearing my Punjabi suit so it feels like being outside in my jammies. Why don't we wear these in Canada?

My first day, wearing my first Kurta and pant set (courtesy of Judy who had it made for me)

Today, Judy and I are just wandering around. We ate breakfast at the hotel. I had a Dosa, a fried pancakey thing with spicy stuff inside - my first meal involved potato! Which I ate - sort of. Anyway, even with the potato, it was delicious.

Judy enjoying her tiny coffee at my first breakfast. We soon learned to order two coffees at once - each.

Then we hit the shops. Someone remind me why I didn't bring that extra bag...

Bedspreads

Pillows

Silk!! So much silk!

Pomegranites on a fruit stand

Then lunch were I got some sort of Mushroom in 'gravy (curry sauce)' and Judy got Dal which was so tasty, I ate half of hers too.

I forgot to take a picture until almost the end.

Looking at our new purchases back in the room

Anyway, I think tomorrow we are heading out on some crazy cab/road trip with Suresh.

AAACK - last day.

9 am
Got up. Ate left over curry for breakfast. Did I mention that Mom had an awesome Indian dinner for me and a few friends on Tuesday for my birthday/bon voyage. She and Chris outdid themselves - Chris' samosas were particularly noteworthy. Since I haven't shopped for about 10 days, this is what I am living on.

2:30 pm
My plan was to pack last night and then use today to buy anything that was missing. I did a prelim last night and it all seems pretty under control, so far, no last minute purchases required. I did call Val this morning and bribe her with Mom's left over butter chicken to come over tonight and make sure I am not missing anything too vital.

So, other than adding a few things now and then as I think of them (such as undies, that would have been unfortunate) I am doing little projects. For example, Air Canada sent me an email asking if I want to pre-check in. Sounds good but it involved printing, so I had to set up my printer. I had also read that one of the ways that thieves steal your stuff in India is to cut the strap of your bag from your shoulder and grab & run. So for my next project, I sewed a hook onto my small purse and my satchel so that they will be attached to me via mini carbiner even if the strap is severed. Smart, eh? Hopefully I won't have to let you know if it works. Another project; I wrote up address labels for postcards so that I don't have to carry my address book. Now I am drinking coffee and watching tv.

Last day project

4PM
a few more things added to the pile. Hmmm. Starting to look like alot. Remove two shirts. I want to be able to fit EVERYTHING in one bag so that I don't have too many bags hanging off me when I am on the move.

The pile

It all fits but just barely.

9:50
Val came over at 4:30 or so. She went through my first aid bag and used her nursing skills to convince me that fungus or a cold will not kill me so I don't need to bring stuff for those. Out went the eye drops, cold medicine, anti fungal, one of two antiseptics, half of my moleskin. I forwent the bathing suit and the extra bag - yes, one less bag. Then we went to the mall for a few things I needed; more mosquito spray, a glasses case and snacks for the plane. Mosquito spray good, snacks, no problem. Glasses case, not so easy. So now I am bringing my extra pair of glasses in a sock. Now my stuff is all packed, the carry on stuff is in the carry on, the checked stuff is in the big backpack, the purse stuff is in the purse.

Chris came over later to eat some left over rice pudding. By this time I had had two glasses of wine so I am kind of tipsy as I write this.

I still don't really have a plan for when I am there. Judy and I discussed a road trip for the first week or so and then a blitz trip to Delhi. But after that it's up in the air. I was going to tell you about my stolen travel philosophy. One day I was driving and listening to CBC. When I turned on the radio there was a woman speaking to Sheilah Rogers about her first trip to India. I have no idea what the subject was or who the woman was since I missed the beginning and the end. But she was talking about how she knew she wanted to go to India and experience the spiritual aspects of the country. She went to a talk with someone who had lived there and was giving a lecture on something or other. She went up to the microphone and asked him if he could give her some suggestions of where to go or Ashrams to visit. His answer to her was 'follow the pretense of accident'. She said she had no idea what he was talking about but it hit me that this was the perfect attitude to take. What ever is going to happen is what I will experience. Plans tend to get muddled there anyway, so I will follow the pretense of accident. (I just googled that phrase and here is an article about the woman, Sharon Salzberg, and the advise giver, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, if you want to know specifics - beware the super annoying music).

Now I am going to hook up the dishwasher and go to bed. I will have to get up early but just to tidy up. I think I am ready - knock on wood. I have saved one last portion of left over chicken curry for breakfast, Val took everything else in the fridge that was perishable.

8:30 AM
Just hanging out waiting to go. I was up at 6:30, did some laundry, planted some bulbs in the garden, tidied my room - sort of (side note, I found my glasses case but the sock takes up less room). Bag is packed, carry on is ready. Last of the left over curry is eaten and bowl washed. I guess this is it.

The next time I post anything, it will be from India. I don't think I will be able to upload pictures but I'll try. Look at Judy's for now. Thanks to Chris, Paul and Lea & Makenna for cat visits. And, just in case you were worried, Paul has offered to pick me up when I get in. We'll talk soon.

To Do - now mostly done.

Here was my To Do list from this morning.

To Do. (in no particular order)
1. Buy travellers cheques
2. advise bank that I am leaving country
3. photocopy documents, scan documents so I have access through email
4. cut keys for cat visitors
5. Pack

I started writing the list and realized, why am I writing a list when I could just be doing some of the things. Who knew that procrastination is not always the most effective route. hmmmm.

So I called RBC and sorted out some stuff with debit & credit cards etc. Then I went to the bank and bought my traveller's cheques. Judy called me from India last night - more on that later - and said that she was having a hard time with the ATMs over there and that she basically is without cash. She recommended that I bring traveller's cheques as a back up in case I have trouble too.

I ended my productive day by getting keys cut and picking up my anti malarial medication from the Pharmacy and buying a few items suggested by Lea and Alisma. When I got home, I started packing. I made up a first aid kit (I bought a new bag for it.) It is so big it is ridiculous. I have everything in there. I could save a village with that bag. I also made up a little laundry pouch with laundry line, soap and sink plug. My bathroom bag is started, I am getting my clothes together. I even brought out my backpack. Unfortunately, I can't put anything in it yet.



A place to sleep or a desperate attempt to come with

So I am finally feeling less panicky. I searched out most of the stuff I want to bring, even if it isn't in the bag yet. (Although, I cannot for the life of me, find my outlet converter. Apparently, India is on 220 volt so I will have to look into that too.)

BTW, I just took my Dukoral booster dose and it is just as disgusting as it was last time. Judy was praising it though since she hasn't had any 'issues' so I guess I won't complain too much. I can still taste it though, yuk. And to add insult to injury, it is mixed with some sort of bicarbonate which makes the taste come back for several encores - if you know what I mean.

Lists

I have received my first comment on my blog - from Alisma, the wonderful woman in Vancouver who gave me advise so many posts/months ago. By now I list her among my friends, what with me stalking her and trying to force her to come with me to India (she complained ever so slightly about her job and I pounced like a lion who senses a weak gazelle in the herd - ok, I pestered like a house cat who wants to be fed - but let's not quibble). Anyway, Alisma says I should write a list so I wrote a list.
See the power you could all have - if you leave a comment.

What to Pack

1. Clothes - I plan to get more there
a. 1 skirt
b. 1 pair of Capri pants
c. 1 pair long pants
d. 2 t-shirts (maybe 3)
e. 1 long sleeve shirt
f. undies
g. socks
h. fleece
i. hat
j. bathing suit
k. pajama pants
2. Shoes
a. runners
b. tevas
c. flip flops - for the shower
3. Bathroom bag
a. shampoo & conditioner & more conditioner - we are not having another Thai hair situation
b. soap & washcloth
c. toothbrush and toothpaste, floss
d. tweezers, clippers, hairbrush
e. lotion
f. Sunscreen
g. mosquito repellent- lots of repellent - I remembered that Elephantitis is caused by mosquitoes
h. personal items
i. multiple lip balms
j. hand sanitizer
k. baby wipes - Melissa's excellent suggestion
l. waterless soap for public washrooms (TP too)
m. lots of hair bands
n. ear plugs
4. Medications
a. anti malaria
b. pro-biotic stuff to counteract the anti malaria
c. the anti diarreal pills - hopefully not needed
d. Imodium
e. various anti-itch, antibiotic, antifungal - really, anti anything-icky creams
f. pain killer of some sort
g. anti histimines, gravol
h. bandaids, moleskin
i. afterbite lotion
5. Bird stuff
a. binoculars with case
b. bird book
c. note pad
d. several writing implements - I lose a lot of pens
6. Other books
a. India book
b. novel - undecided, something not complicated, many pages with small font
c. the awesome string book mark Amy made me for Christmas - I may have to try to make two more, so I'll have one for each book. Mine won't be as nice as Amy's though.
d. mini-Canada calendar (maybe)
7. Papers
a. passport
b. tickets
i. to Vancouver
ii. to Bangalore
iii. Return from Bangalore
iiii. Vancouver to Victoria
c. insurance stuff
8. Camera stuff
a. Fuji with case
b. extra memory card - XD
c. Canon with pouch
d. extra memory card - SD
e. recharger
f. 12 rechargeable batteries
g. electrical converter
9. Etc.
a. sunglasses with case
b. extra prescription glasses with case
c. glasses prescription
d. headlamp
e. additional mini-flashlight for pocket - Kudos to Alisma for this idea, power failures - I have been warned
f. watch with alarm
g. locks, one for bag, one for door.
h. door stop - recommended by my Women in India book
i. sleeping bag liner - still deciding on this one - decided, I bought one last night.
j. laundry line
k. mini sewing kit
l. travel towel.
m. ziplock baggies & dry bags
n. bottle opener
o. duct tape - i've never used it while traveling but it has to be there.
10. Bags
a. big backpack
b. small day pack
c. satchel
d. small purse
e. under-the-shirt pouch
f. fold up bag for extra souvenirs.
g. that's it for bags but I wanted to give a shout out to Lea who likely laughed when she saw how many bags I need - yes NEED!
11. On the plane bag - day pack
a. food
b. one change of clothes
c. magazine or the novel
d. small bathroom bag with basics
e. water bottle
f. binoculars, camera (depending on size limits - stupid underwear bomber)

Time for bed, but I will add my 'things to do before I go' list tomorrow.
I will probably add to this one too. (This list didn't seem like much until I scrolled through the whole thing, maybe I DO need another bag - if only Lea would let me buy one.)

Air Canada - if I don't have anything nasty to say, I should still say something (begrudgingly)

As you will all remember from my first few blogs about buying my tickets, getting from Victoria to Vancouver and back again was going to be the most complicated part of my journey (booking wise at least). When I finally realized that I was going to be returning to Vancouver on Feb 20, it would be too late (8:30 pm)to get to the last ferry. This meant that my lovely friend Melissa would have to meet me at the airport, let me sleep at her place and get me to the ferry the next day all during Olympic mania. I realized that this was not acceptable, even if Melissa was game - not to mention all the to-ing and fro-ing for tired little me. So I started checking for a ticket back to Victoria.

I started with WestJet but they don't fly between Vancouver and Victoria. Then I tried Air Canada. Tickets for every other day for two weeks before and after my return date were $72 +taxes. For Feb 20th - $207!! I tried other, less obvious airlines. Too dark to fly Harbour Air. I checked Alaska but you have to originate outside of Canada (who knew?). Then I checked Horizon Air. I got very excited that there was a ticket for 50ish bucks. Booked it, hit submit and immediately realized that the flight was for 11:30 AM not PM. I called them right away and they were lovely, cancelled the whole transaction without any penalties.

So, left with only one option, I bookmarked Air Canada and checked it everyday. Then, one fine day, Feb 20 prices dropped from $207 to $72 so I booked it right away. I am flying back to Victoria at 11:45 pm (arriving 12:15 am). Not that I am providing this very specific info in case some kind Victoria soul wants to pick me up (cough cough - volunteer sign up list posted on my fridge).

Me flying to Vancouver on Jan 23rd

So this got me thinking. Maybe it might be easier to fly to Vancouver too, instead of busing it. So last night I looked online for a flight over. It was going to cost almost $100. I left it so I could think about it. So today, I thought about it. I could leave home a couple of hours earlier if I flew and since I haven't even begun to pack (or even pre-pack or even write a list of what to pack), those couple of hours may be essential. So I signed back onto Air Canada today and low and behold, the ticket is now only $39!! ($68 with taxes). That is comparable to the bus. So I booked. Then, just to proverbially poke at the sore Air Canada tooth, I checked Feb 20 to see if those tickets were on sale too. But they weren't. The only seats left for that flight were $157, so that made me happy to be so smart (S.M.R.T).

Me flying back to Victoria on Feb 20 (in the dark)

So much has happened in the last two months...

Yeah yeah, I know, I haven't updated in forever. And the last post really wasn't about my trip, I have been properly chastised.

Ok, I admit it. I was avoiding updating because for a while there my pre-trip excitement was dampened somewhat. Let me explain. As you all know (from previous posts and non-stop India chatter) my plan was to meet Judy at the Bangalore airport at 2 am where she was going to take me under her now India-experienced wing. She will have been in India approx 6 weeks at that point. But then, sometime in early December, Judy got some bad news on the medical front. After discussions with her doctor etc, she decided she just couldn't go to India. She let me know as soon as she had made her decision (at an Indian charity event for those of you who like irony).

Of course, I was upset for Judy. She had really been looking forward to her trip and she might have bad stuff going on. However, I will admit that thoughts of my own plight did enter my mind not too long after my thoughts of Judy's plight. I never said I was perfect.

I was going to be landing in Bangalore in the middle of the flippin night!! Alone!!Priscilla was not too keen to meet me so I was going to be on my own. Now, I have travelled alone before and survived, I knew that it would be alright. I would just have to find a place to stay ahead of time, get a cab, and get some sleep and I would be good to go in a day or two. But, maybe I am getting old, I was having a hard time readjusting my idea of what my trip was going to be like without Judy there. And, because we are all friends here, maybe I was a little (I will only admit to a little) scared.

I hit up a few of my friends who had mildly expressed interest/jealousy about the trip. None of them could come. That is when I stopped posting updates. I wasn't sure if I could be excited and, even harder, sound excited. Thus, the lack of blog.

But wait, there is still a happy ending to this sad tale. After a few weeks, some doctor discussions, some soul searching, Judy decided to ignore the medical issues until after her trip. So, drum rolllllll, she called me up and announced that she was going. Yeaaaahhhh. She said she may not be able to travel around as much as she had hoped and was going to treat the trip as a form of relaxation, hanging out at spas, ashrams and retreats. She wasn't sure about the side trips so I may be on my own for those. But she would still meet me at the airport. Yeaaahhh. For some reason, the idea of that airport was too much for me to handle mentally.

So, back on track. Judy, who I would like to note, is a worse procrastinator than me, had to fast track her passport (which she hadn't ordered because she wasn't going). Then, once that was done, she needed an Indian entrance visa. So did I but I had more time. Judy was leaving on Dec 16th (or so) and only had a week to get the visa. So she called me up on Thursday afternoon at work (I had plans that evening so no time to get ready - I filled out the application at work and got my visa photo on my lunch hour and my registered envelope on the way to my event) to see if I wanted to come to Vancouver with her to hand the visa application in in person on Friday (which happened to be a day off for me). The Indian Consulate is in downtown Vancouver. She and I had different forms. Mine said we had to be there by noon or they wouldn't accept it until the next day. Judy's form said 2:30. Just to be safe (heaven forbid that either of us call them to confirm) we caught the 9am ferry. We drove to town and parked under some mall at exactly 11:53. We ran, Judy's GPS on overdrive because neither of us had any sense of where we were in relation to the Consulate. we still went the wrong way but our looks of confusion solicited a kindly stranger to point us in the right direction. We made it, my time stamp was 11:58, Judy's 11:59. HA! Of course, because we made it, the big sign in the waiting area said the cut off time was 2:30 but I still felt victorious.

Judy at the Indian Consulate

Me at the Consulate - note the submission deadline of 2:30

We had to bring a filled out application, our passport, two passport sized visa photos, and a registered envelope so they could send the visaed passport back to me (Judy opted to go back to the Consulate to pick hers up - time constraints and all). As soon as you get in the door, a very stern looking guard checks your stuff (and your paperwork too - hahaha, I crack me up). As I mentioned, Judy and I had different forms because I was using some old site that was being maintained by who know who - not the Indian Consulate. So the stern but nice guard cut my pictures to the proper size, stapled them in place, there was tape involved too but I can't remember why...


Amusing story about this photo. I had brought my big camera with me but I could tell that wasn't going to fly in the waiting room so I got Judy to take this picture and the next one with her cell phone. There was a big huge sign that said "NO CELL PHONES" right there on the wall. But being a goer, Judy took the picture. Just as she did, someone else's phone beeped and guard looked at the group and bellowed "No Cell Phones!!!" I thought Judy was going to pee herself. I laughed like a hyena though so it was all worth it.

We had to wait over an hour to be called to the counter for our check over. I could tell from the wait that Judy was going to be awesome to travel with. She and I were chit chatting with pretty much everyone in our vicinity. We got some interesting tips (none of which I remember) and met other tourists, people who go every year, a guy who was an Indian/Nepalese who gave Judy his doctor-sister's phone number, one blow-hard who was ignored as best as possible, and one girl who was trying to get a business visa (unsuccessfully in the end).

Number 923 please, 923. ARGGGGG.

Eventually we made it up to the front to speak to the nice gentleman who looked at the 9 dollar registered envelope I brought and said it just wouldn't do. I mentioned that the website I was checking (this is where I learned it was being maintained by monkeys) said this would be sufficient. And by the way, did I mention it cost 9 bucks! He took it but he had a look like 'don't blame me if your passport never arrives, stupid white girl'.

Lunch and Ikea and then back on the ferry to end a very full and fun day. Judy went back the following Thursday to pick hers up and mine arrived in my mailbox (crappy envelope - ha!) the very same day (I'm sure, much to Judy's chagrin).

I will stop there. One wants to leave the audience with something to anticipate. I will follow up later with the story of the Indian Charity Event and my stolen philosophy for my trip. Oh yeah, there is another Air Canada story too.